Mary Jo Wenger, 77, of Belding, MI, passed away on July 13, 2025.
Mary was born on March 30, 1948, to George and Hilda Kuiper in Baarn, Netherlands. Her family immigrated to Detroit, MI, in 1954 when she was six. After moving to Grand Rapids, MI, to attend college, Mary graduated from Calvin College in 1970. In 1978, Mary met Larry, and they wed in 1979, going on to have 2 children, Diana and Steven. Mary worked many positions at Baker Book House, retiring in 2017 as managing trade book editor.
Mary was a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend to many. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Mary taught Sunday School and was a 4-H leader when her kids were younger. She shared her love of reading and sewing with her family, even going back to get her master’s in library science along with her daughter. Mary enjoyed camping with the family, doing crafts, and spending time with her grandkids, Abigail and Simon.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents George and Hilda Kuiper and her in-laws Grace and Clifford Wenger. She is survived by her loving husband Larry of 46 years, daughter Diana, son Steven, daughter-in-law Janet, grandchildren Abigail and Simon, sisters Ada (Peter) Jarmosovich, Marilyn (Jim) Kirchmeier, Helene (Jack) Landon, and brother Fred (Diane) Kuiper, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be visitation in the evening Thursday, July 17 from 6 to 8 pm at Calvary Christian Reformed Church, 1151 W Main St, Lowell, MI. The funeral will be 11 am at Calvary Christian Reformed Church on Friday, July 18 with a visitation before the service.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the Alvah N. Belding Library, either by going to the website (https://www.alvahnbeldinglibrary.org/about-us/donations-and-giving/ways-to-give), or by sending a check in the mail listing Mary’s name and who the memorial is from. The address is: Alvah N. Belding Library, 302 E. Main Street, Belding MI 48809.
One Response
Just hearing of this, and I’m so very sorry Larry. I remember all the evenings at Murray Lake Elementary, that Mary brought dinner to share with you! Possibly one of the sweetest acts of love I’ve ever witnessed.
When I bumped into you post retirement and you told me about her health issues, I saw your love for her and determination to care for her. May she rest in peace on the loving arms of our Lord, restored in His grace!